Mandate public transport operators prohibit balaclavas except religious/medical

Background

Require public transport operators (including TfL and National Rail) to amend Byelaws and Conditions of Carriage to prohibit the wearing of balaclavas and identity-concealing masks (excluding those worn for legitimate religious or medical reasons).​

Additional details

Crime on public transport is rising, often facilitated by offenders wearing balaclavas to evade CCTV and intimidate passengers. ​Safety: Identifying offenders is currently impossible, rendering CCTV useless. ​Context: There is no reasonable need for thermal face coverings inside heated vehicles, distinguishing them from religious garments or medical masks. ​Enforcement: Police need clear powers to demand removal without a Section 60 order, making it a Condition of Carriage does this.

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